How to Remove Vomit Stains: Tips and Guidelines
Though not one of the more enjoyable moments in life, vomit happens. It can be somewhat difficult to remove the stains.
However, stain removal can be accomplished with some help, usually with everyday items that can be found around the house.
The first step in removing vomit stains is to identify the stained material.
Below are the most common types of materials that can become vomit-stained, with steps on how to remove vomit from each:
- Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool
- Washable fibers such as Acrylic, Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Brass, Bronze, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Coral, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, lron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Opal, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Pearls, Pewter, Platinum, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering, or Zinc
- Stone surfaces such as Alabaster, Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Marble, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate or Terrazzo
- Bamboo or cane
- Carpet
- Fur (natural or synthetic)
- Grout
- Leather or suede
- Wallpaper
- Wood
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool:
- Gently scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) up solids.
- Sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the area with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on silk and wool.)
- Cover with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter and ammonia. Let it stand as long as any stain is being picked up.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and ammonia.
- Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) thoroughly with cool water, making sure to remove all traces of ammonia.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from Acrylic, Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex:
- Quickly scrape to remove solids.
- Soak the stain in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent, and 1 tablespoon ammonia.
- Tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) or scrape to help loosen the stain. Blot occasionally with an absorbent pad.
- Rinse well with water, making sure to remove all ammonia traces.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Brass, Bronze, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Chromium, Copper, Cork, Enamel, Glass, Gold, Iron, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Paint (flat or gloss), Pewter, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain, Stainless Steel, Tin, Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile or Vinyl Wallcovering:
- Scrape or wipe up solids, then wash the area with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from Alabaster or Marble:
- Wipe up solids, then wipe the stain with a cloth or sponge dipped in cool water.
- If stain remains, mix a poultice of water, powdered detergent, and bleach. Apply it to the stain and cover with a damp cloth to retard evaporation.
- When stain has been bleached out, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:
- Scrape or wipe up solids. Then wash the stained area with a cloth dipped in a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
- Rinse well and allow to dry.
Bamboo or Cane
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from bamboo or cane:
- Scrape or wipe up solids, then wash stain with a cloth or brush dipped in warm soapy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
- Rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
Carpet
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from carpet:
- Scrape up solids, then apply Up & Out (do not use on wool) Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover, or Stain-X Carpet Stain Remover. Or, wipe up solids, being careful not to force the stain deeper into the pile.
- Sponge the area with a solution of 1 teaspoon mild, non-alkali detergent and 1/2 pint lukewarm water. Blot the liquid with an absorbent pad.
- Continue sponging and blotting until no more stain is removed.
- Sponge the area with a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia and 1 cup warm water. (Do not use ammonia on wool carpets.) Blot excess liquid.
- Continue until no more stain is being removed.
- Place an absorbent pad over the damp area and weigh it down with a heavy object. When no more liquid is absorbed, remove the pad and allow carpet to thoroughly air dry.
Fur
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from fur:
- Carefully wipe up the solids.
- Wipe stain with a cloth dipped in the suds of a mild detergent and water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
- Rinse with a cloth dampened with clear water.
- Rub with the nap of the fur; taking care not to soak or over-wet the pelt or backing.
- Air dry away from heat.
Grout
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from grout:
- After removing solids, wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in cool water.
- If any stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
Leather or Suede
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from leather or suede:
- Gently scrape to remove solids.
- Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
- Apply only the foam with a sponge.
- Rinse well with a clean damp cloth and wipe dry.
- For leather only, condition with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.
Wallpaper
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from wallpaper:
- Gently scrape up solids.
- Wipe the stain with a cloth moistened with cool water.
- Overlap strokes to prevent streaking. Use a clean cloth to gently pat dry.
Wood
Follow these steps to remove vomit stains from wood:
- Wipe up the solids.
- Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in cool clear water.
- Wipe dry with a soft cloth and polish or wax the wood as usual.
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